Numbers Reveal Seriousness of Problem—Florida Motorcycle Accidents on the Rise

A male motorcyclist and female passenger were recently thrown from their motorcycle when a Ford turned in front of them on State Road 50. This Hernando County motorcycle crash claimed the life of the 30-year-old motorcyclist and critically injured the 33-year-old passenger.

It is a common misconception that all motorcyclists are responsible for the accidents they are involved in. This Florida motorcycle accident is proof that motorcyclists suffer injuries and death due to other driver’s negligence. Whether motorcyclists are responsible for a crash or not, motorcyclists unfortunately have a higher chance of sustaining serious injury and death due to their greater vulnerability.

There are also a great number of motorcyclists over the age of 40 who are killed in Florida motorcycle accidents each year because they fail to wear motorcycle helmets.

The crash report also reveals which counties had the most motorcycle fatalities in the state. After Broward County and Miami-Dade County, Hillsborough County had the third highest motorcycle fatalities across the state during 2011. While Sarasota County remained at five motorcycle deaths from 2010 to 2011, Pinellas County saw an increase from 24 to 26 motorcycle deaths. Additionally, Hernando County had three fatal motorcycle accidents in 2010 and 12 in 2011, while Hillsborough County witnessed a spike in fatal motorcycle accidents with 23 in 2010 and 34 in 2011.

Although statistics do not provide any relief for families of those killed in Florida motorcycle accidents, statistics do reveal the seriousness of the problem. Drivers of motor vehicles need to do a better job of looking out for motorcyclists in order to help keep motorcyclists safe.

Have you suffered an injury, or has your loved one been killed in a motorcycle crash? You may have rights to pursue a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim in Florida. Call the Mallard Law Firm at 888-409-3805 for a free consultation.